High-Quality 3-D On Phones, Tablets Without Glasses

MasterImage 3-D demonstrated smartphone and tablet reference platforms at CES. The patented display technology looked as clear as any 3-D we've seen in this form factor.

Ultrabooks Dazzle At CES

(click image for larger view and for slideshow)

I've been testing several 3-D technologies during the past several months, and while they all work reasonably well, all of them make some compromises--mostly because the images aren't quite as clear as I want them to be; and to be truthful, it's hard to get excited about something that makes me nauseous after a half hour of game playing or movie watching.

That's why the MasterImage 3-D reference platform seems so appealing. This 3-D display, which comes in a 4.3-inch version (for smartphones) and a 10.1-inch version (for tablets) was incredibly clear and rich, not grainy and ghosted like many of the products I've seen in that form factor.

This is a glasses-free display--720p resolution (1280x720) for the smartphone, and 1080p (1920x1200) for the tablet. While you can't necessarily see the 3-D in the video embedded below, you can get a little feel for the clarity.

The reference designs the company was showcasing at CES were powered by TI's IMAP 4 chipset. The technology uses cell-matrix parallax barrier, which the company has patented; the company claims it provides brighter images, lessened crosstalk, reduced moire effects, and a wider viewing angle. A few minutes with the technology had me convinced.

The company isn't announcing any license partners just yet, and frankly consumers aren't in a great hurry for 3-D. But if it's done well, maybe that's another story.

InformationWeek is conducting our third annual State of Enterprise Storage survey on data management technologies and strategies. Upon completion, you will be eligible to enter a drawing to receive an Apple 32-GB iPod Touch. Take our Enterprise Storage Survey now. Survey ends Jan. 13.

Among 688 respondents, 46% have deployed mobile apps, with an additional 24% planning to in the next year. Soon all apps will look like mobile apps – and it's past time for those with no plans to get cracking.